How to Track Pending Legislation
Ideas for legislation
come from many sources including Senators, one of his or her
constituents, other state officials, or organizations. Once an idea
for a new law has been decided on, it is put into bill form, usually
by the staff of the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.
Referred to Committee
After a bill is drafted
it must be introduced in the Senate which only legislators or
standing committee members can do. Once introduced, it is printed,
given a number and assigned to a Committee depending on its subject
matter (i.e., a bill to change the fines for driving while
intoxicated (DWI) would be assigned to the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Committee).
Reported to Senate
Committee members then evaluate the bill and decide whether to
report them to the Senate floor for a final decision by the full
membership. A bill must be on Senators' desks for 3 days before it
can be voted on.
 Advanced to Third
Reading
A bill must reach Third Reading before a vote can be taken. On the
day it's considered, it's placed on the "Active List." It's then
subject to debate, further amendments and a vote.
Starred on
Calendar/Amended on Third Reading/Star Removed
If the sponsor wishes to amend the bill, he may "star" it so that it
isn't placed on the Active List while amendments are negotiated. An
amended bill must be in print for 3 days before the star can be
removed and the bill voted upon.
Passed Senate-
Delivered to Assembly
If a majority of Senators vote "aye", the bill passes the Senate. It
is then sent to the Assembly. Once the bill reaches the Assembly,
it's referred to an Assembly Committee based on its subject matter.
Substitution
The bill is reported to the Assembly floor from Committee. If there
is an identical version of the bill pending in the Assembly, the
Senate bill can be substituted for its Assembly counterpart.
Passed Assembly
Since the substituted version has already passed the Senate, if a
majority of Assembly members approve the bill, it will have passed
both houses. If the assembly changes the bill, it will be sent back
to the Senate for concurrence on the amendments.
Delivered to Governor
Once the Senate and Assembly agree on the same bill, it is sent to
the Governor for his consideration. When the Legislature is in
Session, he has 10 days (not counting Sundays) to sign it. If the
Governor signs the bill, it becomes law. If he disapproves, he must
veto it within 10 days and return it to the house it originated with
a statement explaining why he vetoed it.
|
